Ross (24) was eying the 2011 World Cup to make the national side but the call came two years earlier, after a stand-out few weeks with the Crusaders.
"Every rugby player in New Zealand strives to be an All Black. I had sort of focused on being an All Black by the World Cup but it has come round a bit quicker."
"Just because I'm an All Black now does not mean I will be one next year. You've got to be a good All Black. The rug can be swept under your feet pretty quick," Ross said.
Ross said he had been nervous during the week, but that that was natural.
"You've just got to take them [nerves] as a positive and use them on the field."
Ross said it had been a fairly tough week and there was plenty of work to do to get his body up to scratch for test rugby.
"It has been nonstop, really. You've just got to take it in your stride. You can't afford to get too wrapped up in it and just concentrate on your own game."
Ross played for the Highlanders last year as a draft player after not being wanted by the Crusaders and that made a test debut on Carisbrook tonight something special.
"I got quite a heavy load of game time down here, so I was pretty stoked with that. So if I had a second choice [to make a test debut] then I would have to pick Carisbrook. I'm sort of like a local, really."
He said playing with Brad Thorn was a big bonus, and had been discussing his role over the week with the experienced second rower.
"Brad has been telling me not to stress about things, especially with me being the line-out caller, too. He has just told me to do what I'm here for and just do the things that come naturally."
Ross called the line-outs for the Crusaders and was given the role for the All Blacks.
He did not overcall himself, he said, and liked to give every jumper a fair amount of ball.
He said calling the line-out was something of a daunting task on debut, but made him focus on the job a whole lot more.
Ross will become the latest father-son All Black combination when he takes the field.
His father, Jock, also a lock, played five games for the All Blacks in a tour of France and Romania in 1981 and they would be the 18th father and son to play for the national side.
His mother, Christine, also played for the national women's rugby side.
